What does Isaiah 66:21 mean?
"And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD." - Isaiah 66:21
Isaiah 66:21 (KJV) says, "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD." This verse comes at the end of the book of Isaiah, where the prophet is prophesying about the future restoration and redemption of Israel. This particular verse speaks to the inclusion of Gentiles in the priesthood and the Levitical service, symbolizing the universal nature of God's salvation and the expansion of His kingdom.
The theme of inclusion and universality is central to the message of Isaiah, particularly in the closing chapters. Throughout the book, the prophet has been proclaiming the salvation and restoration not only for Israel but for all nations. In the verses leading up to 66:21, Isaiah declares that God will gather all nations and tongues to see His glory and that some of them will be chosen as priests and Levites. This inclusivity reflects God's desire for all people to be part of His kingdom, regardless of their background or heritage.
The context of this verse is also significant. The previous chapters of Isaiah have depicted the suffering and judgement that Israel will experience due to their disobedience and idolatry. However, the prophet also brings a message of hope and restoration, assuring that God will not forsake His people forever. When we reach the final chapter, we see Isaiah's vision of the new heavens and the new earth, where God's reign is established and His people are gathered from all nations. In this context, the reference to priests and Levites from among the Gentiles serves as a powerful symbol of the universal reach of God's salvation and the fulfillment of His promises.
The symbolism in this verse is multi-layered. The priesthood and the Levitical service were reserved for the descendants of Aaron and the tribe of Levi in ancient Israel. By including Gentiles in these roles, God is symbolically breaking down the barriers that separated different groups of people and creating a new, unified community of believers. This speaks to the transformative power of God's grace, which transcends boundaries and transforms individuals from every nation and background into a holy priesthood. The inclusion of Gentiles in the priesthood also foreshadows the coming of Jesus Christ, who would serve as the ultimate high priest and bring salvation to all people, Jew and Gentile alike.
Furthermore, the appointment of Gentiles as priests and Levites reflects the reversal of roles and expectations that is often found in the Bible. Throughout the Old Testament, God frequently chooses the unexpected and the unlikely to fulfill His purposes. This demonstrates His sovereignty and challenges human notions of worthiness and privilege. In a similar way, the inclusion of Gentiles as priests and Levites challenges the traditional understanding of who is qualified to serve God and highlights the radical nature of God's grace.
In conclusion, Isaiah 66:21 (KJV) offers a powerful message of inclusion, universality, and divine reversal. It symbolizes the universal reach of God's salvation, the fulfillment of His promises, and the transformative power of His grace. As we reflect on this verse, we are reminded of God's desire for all people to be part of His kingdom and the unexpected ways in which He fulfills His purposes.
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Isaiah 66:21 Artwork
Isaiah 66:21 - "And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD."
"And I will also take of them for priests and for Levites, saith the LORD." - Isaiah 66:21
Isaiah 66:1
Isaiah 66:1-2
Isaiah 66:1-2
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.
Isaiah 66:16 - "For by fire and by his sword will the LORD plead with all flesh: and the slain of the LORD shall be many."
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face.
Isaiah 66:6 - "A voice of noise from the city, a voice from the temple, a voice of the LORD that rendereth recompence to his enemies."
Isaiah 66:13 - "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
Isaiah 66:7 - "Before she travailed, she brought forth; before her pain came, she was delivered of a man child."
Isaiah 66:15 - "For, behold, the LORD will come with fire, and with his chariots like a whirlwind, to render his anger with fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire."
Isaiah 66:18 - "For I know their works and their thoughts: it shall come, that I will gather all nations and tongues; and they shall come, and see my glory."
Isaiah 66:10 - "Rejoice ye with Jerusalem, and be glad with her, all ye that love her: rejoice for joy with her, all ye that mourn for her:"
Isaiah 66:13 - "As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem."
Isaiah 66:9 - "Shall I bring to the birth, and not cause to bring forth? saith the LORD: shall I cause to bring forth, and shut the womb? saith thy God."
"For thus saith the LORD, Behold, I will extend peace to her like a river, and the glory of the Gentiles like a flowing stream: then shall ye suck, ye shall be borne upon her sides, and be dandled upon her knees." - Isaiah 66:12
Isaiah 66:17 - "They that sanctify themselves, and purify themselves in the gardens behind one tree in the midst, eating swine's flesh, and the abomination, and the mouse, shall be consumed together, saith the LORD."
Isaiah 66:1 - "Thus saith the LORD, The heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool: where is the house that ye build unto me? and where is the place of my rest?"
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face. Any human images should appear as ancient Israel. .
Isaiah 66:22 - "For as the new heavens and the new earth, which I will make, shall remain before me, saith the LORD, so shall your seed and your name remain."
Isaiah 66:11 - "That ye may suck, and be satisfied with the breasts of her consolations; that ye may milk out, and be delighted with the abundance of her glory." The image should not depict explicit or offensive content but be symbolic.
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face. Any human images should appear middle eastern.
Isaiah 66:23 - "And it shall come to pass, that from one new moon to another, and from one sabbath to another, shall all flesh come to worship before me, saith the LORD."
Isaiah 66:1-2. Without depicting God's face. Any human images should appear as ancient Israel. .
Isaiah 66:24 - "And they shall go forth, and look upon the carcases of the men that have transgressed against me: for their worm shall not die, neither shall their fire be quenched; and they shall be an abhorring unto all flesh."